Speakers

Karen Marcinkiw, RN, BSN, MN

Risk Awareness in Agriculture: Injury Prevention and Mental Health Support

Karen is an Occupational Health Nurse in the rural extension division of the CCRAH called the Agricultural Health & Safety Network (AHSN), where the health & Safety of farming & ranching families in SK is priority! In her role, she meets with Sask Ag producers families & workers in their rural communities to provide health services such as health assessments, hearing screening, respiratory function testing, health education and offers resources & referrals. She also delivers Ag. Health & Safety education, creates resources, and promotes farm & ranch safety awareness, health promotion and injury prevention through presentations, the AHSN Network newsletter, trade show booths, and committees.

Chantel Chizen, PhD, AAg

Soil Organic Carbon: Connecting Agricultural Management to Productivity and Soil Health

Chantel Chizen is a Soil Science Professor at the University of Saskatchewan with a strong focus on land management that supports both agriculture and the environment. Her research looks at practical ways to manage soil carbon, salinity, and wetlands, which are key factors influencing soil health and crop productivity. She also specializes in digital soil mapping and is advancing the use of digital tools to better understand how soils behave across different landscapes. Chantel is also dedicated to innovative teaching and soil science outreach, helping align research with real-world agricultural challenges.

Brianne McInnes, BSc, PAg

Research Update of the 2025 season at NARF

Brianne has been working for the Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation since the spring of 2018. She began working for NARF as the Research Assistant, but has since been promoted to the Operations Manager since the spring of 2021. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan in 2018 and became a Certified Crop Advisor in the winter of 2020. Brianne is also a professional agrologist with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. Throughout her time at NARF she has enjoyed getting to conduct and develop crop research and demonstration trials, while working collaboratively with other AgriARM sites, commodity groups, private groups and various industry stakeholders.

Ian Epp, AAg

2026 Agronomy Priorities for Oilseeds

Ian Epp is the SaskOilseed Agronomist for Grower relations

Marlene Boersch

Ag Market Update 2026: Trying to find a sweet spot in this year's ag markets

Marlene has been involved in the agriculture industry in Canada since 1983. She holds a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics, and traded and exported Canadian commodities internationally for 20 years while working for Cargill Grain, XCAN Grain Ltd, and leading Berdex Canada Ltd. In 2003, Marlene co-founded Mercantile Consulting Venture with Anthony P. Temple, who she had worked with at Cargill. (Anthony served as VP of the Cargill Trading Group in Brazil and as VP and GM of LDC Canada Ltd). Mercantile is a professional services company specializing in private label market intelligence, and project consulting. The company has grown to be active in Canada, Australia and the EU. More detail is accessible at www.mercantileventure.com.

Todd Andries, MBA

How to run a successful farming operation: Myths vs. Facts

Todd Andries is the Chief Operations Officer at Maverick Ag, where he leads with a deep understanding of finance, agriculture, and the unique business needs of Canadian producers and farmers. With over 25 years of experience in lending with the National Banks and Credit Unions in Canada, Todd has built a reputation for leading high-performing teams and delivering strategic business solutions in sectors like energy and agriculture. Raised on a mixed-use farm in Lafleche, Saskatchewan, Todd’s boots on the ground experience, combined with his strong business positions make him as a trusted advisor and collaborative leader to the industries he serves. At Maverick, he plays a key role in shaping strategies for clients that empower them to achieve their farm business goals. Todd holds an MBA from the University of Regina and is committed to continued education, innovation and relationship-focused leadership.